Difference Between Thru and Through

Although the words “thru” and “through” have the same meaning and are usually used in lieu of each other in sentences, the word “thru” is used informally while the word “through” is used in formal writing.

The word “through” is used as a preposition, adjective, or an adverb. It means “to go into” or “to pass into.” When used as a preposition, it is used to refer to pass from one side to another, in the middle or in between, by way or means of, from beginning to end, and because of. When used as an adverb, it is used to refer to the completion or accomplishment of something, over and into certain things or distances, and going over from one end, and to its opposite.

When used as an adjective, it is used to refer to a continuous and unobstructed way or going on, passing, extending, or finishing without hindrances. It may also be used to refer to finally cutting off any connections with someone or something.

Examples are:

“She knew of his infidelity through friends who saw him with the other girl.” (Preposition)
“The train goes through a very long and winding tunnel.” (Adverb)
“I am almost through with my studies except for the thesis which I have to defend.” (Adjective)

The word “through” comes from the Old English word “thurh” from the Old Saxon word “thuru” derived from the Old High German “duruh” which comes from the Proto-Indo-European base “tere” meaning “through or beyond.” Its first known use was in the 12th century. During the 15th to 18th centuries the more common spelling was “thro.” In the early 1900s, the word “thru” was used chiefly in American English.

The word “thru” is considered as a colloquial form of the word “through.” It is used in instances when “through” is considered too long. Even if “through” is the official spelling, “thru” is also widely accepted.

Examples:

“I came to respect him after knowing him and spending time with him through the years.”
“I came to respect him after knowing him and spending time with him thru the years.”
“They met through mutual friends.”
“They met thru mutual friends.”

The word “through” may also be combined with several other words to form common idiomatic expressions such as “through and through, look through” and “drive through.” The word “thru” may also be used instead of the usual word “through”; “thru and thru, look thru, drive thru.”

Summary:

1.The word “through” can be used as a preposition, adjective, or an adverb in a sentence to mean “completion, passing, going, or extending to” while the word “thru” is the colloquial version of the word.
2.The word “through” is used in formal writing and sentences while the word “thru” is used informally.
3.The word “through” is used by most English-speaking places while the word “thru” is most commonly used in American English where it originated.
4.Although the word “through” remains the official spelling, “thru” is also widely accepted and used today.

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Written by : Emelda M.
and updated on October 4, 2011

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